Degradation Resistance Research Articles

Plant secondary metabolites against biotic stresses for sustainable crop protection.

Sustainable agriculture practices are indispensable for achieving a hunger-free world, especially as the global population continues to expand. Biotic stresses, such as pathogens, insects, and pests, severely threaten global food security and crop productivity. Traditional chemical pesticides, while effective, can lead to environmental degradation and increase pest resistance over time. Plant-derived natural products such as secondary metabolites like alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and phytoalexins offer promising alternatives due to their ability to enhance plant immunity and inhibit pest activity. Recent advances in molecular biology and biotechnology have improved our understanding of how these natural compounds function at the cellular level, activating specific plant defense through complex biochemical pathways regulated by various transcription factors (TFs) such as MYB, WRKY, bHLH, bZIP, NAC, and AP2/ERF. Advancements in multi-omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have significantly improved the understanding of the regulatory networks that govern PSM synthesis. These integrative approaches have led to the discovery of novel insights into plant responses to biotic stresses, identifying key regulatory genes and pathways involved in plant defense. Advanced technologies like CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing allow precise manipulation of PSM pathways, further enhancing plant resistance. Understanding the complex interaction between PSMs, TFs, and biotic stress responses not only advances plant biology but also provides feasible strategies for developing crops with improved resistance to pests and diseases, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security. This review emphasizes the crucial role of PSMs, their biosynthetic pathways, the regulatory influence of TFs, and their potential applications in enhancing plant defense and sustainability. It also highlights the astounding potential of multi-omics approaches to discover gene functions and the metabolic engineering of genes associated with secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Taken together, this review provides new insights into research opportunities for enhancing biotic stress tolerance in crops through utilizing plant secondary metabolites.

Ubiquitination in diabetes and its complications: A perspective from bibliometrics.

Diabetes has a substantial impact on public health, highlighting the need for novel treatments. Ubiquitination, an intracellular protein modification process, is emerging as a promising strategy for regulating pathological mechanisms. We hypothesize that ubiquitination plays a critical role in the development and progression of diabetes and its complications, and that understanding these mechanisms can lead to new therapeutic approaches. To uncover the research trends and advances in diabetes ubiquitination and its complications, we conducted a bibliometric analysis. Studies on ubiquitination in diabetes mellitus and its complications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Visual mapping analysis was conducted using the CiteSpace software. We gathered 791 articles published over the past 23 years, focusing on ubiquitination in diabetes and its associated complications. These articles originated from 54 countries and 386 institutions, with China as the leading contributor. Shanghai Jiao Tong University has the highest number of publications in this field. The most prominent authors contributing to this research area include Wei-Hua Zhang, with Zhang Y being the most frequently cited author. Additionally, The Journal of Biological Chemistry is noted as the most cited in this field. The predominant keywords included expression, activation, oxidative stress, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, degradation, and insulin resistance. The role of ubiquitination in diabetes and its complications, such as diabetic nephropathy and cardiomyopathy, is a key research focus. However, these areas require further investigations.

A simplified soil-structure interaction model for load-settlement analysis of piles

The full skin friction and full end-bearing of a single pile are not mobilized at the same displacement while the conventional approach often oversimplifies by adding the skin friction to the end-bearing resistance as independent calculation steps. This paper presents a simplified interaction approach for the nonlinear load-settlement analysis of a single pile considering simultaneously the degradation of skin friction resistance and end-bearing resistance hardening under varying loads. The ability to estimate the load-settlement response of piles based on either needed loads or settlement is a special benefit of the proposed approach over existing methods. In addition, the proposed model is able to separate the skin friction resistance, end-bearing resistance and elastic compression at arbitrary settlement. The analytical method shown a satisfactory performance as compared to experimental results for three extensively studied field test situations. The suggested approach shows promise as a suitable solution for the design optimization as well as the preliminary analysis to organize a suitable loading test program. A parametric analysis is conducted to further examine the influence of various significant parameters related to the load-settlement response of piles.

Application of Nanotechnology in Agriculture: Opportunities and Challenges in the Context of Environmental Sustainability

Nanotechnology is an emerging field with immense potential to revolutionize agriculture by enhancing productivity, resource efficiency, and sustainability. Its applications span diverse areas, including nano-fertilizers for improved nutrient uptake, nano-pesticides for targeted pest control, and nanosensors for real-time monitoring of soil and crop health. These advancements address critical agricultural challenges, such as nutrient inefficiency, pest resistance, and environmental degradation. Nano-enabled smart delivery systems optimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides, reducing environmental contamination and improving yield. Nanotechnology also facilitates soil remediation, enhances microbial health, and provides innovative water purification techniques, making it instrumental in mitigating resource scarcity and pollution. Its role in precision agriculture, through IoT-integrated nanosensors, enables data-driven farming practices that improve decision-making and resource allocation. Despite its promise, the adoption of nanotechnology faces barriers, including potential toxicity of nanomaterials, long-term environmental risks, and concerns over food safety and human health. High production costs, limited scalability, and a lack of regulatory frameworks hinder widespread implementation, particularly in developing countries. Future research must focus on eco-friendly and biodegradable nanomaterials, scalable manufacturing methods, and the development of cost-effective technologies accessible to smallholder farmers. Robust policy frameworks, standardized safety guidelines, and public-private collaborations are essential to ensure the safe and ethical integration of nanotechnology in agriculture. Equally important are educational initiatives to enhance farmer awareness and build public trust in these innovations. By addressing these challenges, nanotechnology can play a transformative role in creating a sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural system capable of meeting the demands of a growing global population while protecting environmental and human health.

Dynamic impact of polyethylene terephthalate nanoplastics on antibiotic resistance and microplastics degradation genes in the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L.

This study examined the effects of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoplastics on the rhizosphere of Oryza sativa L., focusing on dynamic changes and interactions among microbial communities, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and microplastic degradation genes (MDGs). PET exposure altered the structure and function of soil microbial, enabling specific microbial groups to thrive in polluted environments. High-dose PET treatments markedly increased the abundance and dissemination of ARGs, primarily via resistance mechanisms such as antibiotic efflux and target alteration. By providing additional carbon sources and surfaces for microbial attachment, PET stimulated the growth of microorganisms harboring MDGs, resulting in an increase in MDGs abundance. The elevated expression of MDGs facilitated the propagation of ARGs, with overlapping host microorganisms suggesting that certain microbial groups exhibit dual metabolic capabilities, enabling them to endure both antibiotic and microplastic pressures. Toxic byproducts of microplastic degradation, such as mono-ethylhexyl phthalate, further promoted ARGs dissemination by increasing horizontal gene transfer frequency. Structural equation modeling revealed that PET indirectly influenced ARGs and MDGs expression by altering soil C/N ratio, available phosphorus, and enzyme activities. Thus, nanoscale PET exacerbates ecological risks to soil microbial communities by driving co-propagation of ARGs and MDGs, highlighting the persistent threat of composite pollution to agroecosystems.

Development of a Novel Magnesium Alloy with High Degradation Resistance and Osteo/Angiogenesis Activity Through Scandium‐enhanced Growth of Passivation Film

Development of a Novel Magnesium Alloy with High Degradation Resistance and Osteo/Angiogenesis Activity Through Scandium‐enhanced Growth of Passivation Film

A photocatalytic superhydrophobic coating with p-n type BiOBr/α-Fe2O3 heterojunctions applied in NO degradation.

Coal combustion generates soot-type air pollution, and NO, as a typical pollutant, is the main haze-causing pollutant. The degradation of NO by means of photocatalytic superhydrophobic multifunctional coatings is both durable and economical. The precipitation method was employed to create a p-n type BiOBr/α-Fe2O3 photocatalytic binary system. BiOBr/α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were combined with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in a butyl acetate solution to produce a BiOBr/α-Fe2O3/PDMS/butyl acetate emulsion, and photocatalytic superhydrophobic coatings were then prepared using a one-step cold-spraying method. Photocatalytic oxidation experiments were conducted using a low concentration of NO as the targeted degradant. The results indicate that BiOBr/α-Fe2O3 photocatalytic heterojunctions were successfully prepared with NO removal up to 65%, indicating that the formation of p-n type heterojunctions enhances the light absorption range and improves the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. Furthermore, when the mass ratio of photocatalytic material to PDMS is 30 : 1, the photocatalytic superhydrophobic coating exhibits optimal performance, attaining a contact angle of 159.55° and NO degradation rate of 70.9%. The study also found that the photocatalytic superhydrophobic coating remained stable after undergoing cyclic degradation, acid and alkali resistance tests, and self-cleaning tests. The mechanism of photocatalytic superhydrophobic coatings was further explored, which provided new insights and a theoretical foundation for the development of self-cleaning urban environments.

A novel immobilized bacteria consortium enhanced remediation efficiency of PAHs in soil: Insights into key removal mechanism and main driving factor.

The remediation of sites co-contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs) poses challenges for efficient and ecofriendly restoration methods. In this study, three strains (Pseudomonas sp. PDC-1, Rhodococcus sp. RDC-1, and Enterobacter sp. EDC-1) were isolated from sites contaminated with PAHs and HMs. The constructed bacteria consortium was then immobilized using biochar, bentonite, and peat. The immobilized bacteria consortium (IBC) demonstrated efficient removal ability of phenanthrene (58.1 %-73.4 %) and benzo[a]pyrene (69.6 %-83.5 %) during 60 days. Additionally, the IBC decreased soil bacterial richness and diversity, but increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria phylum and Ochrobactrum genus, which were capable of degrading PAHs. Soil microbial co-occurrence network with IBC was classified into three main modules, and 14 genera were identified as keystone taxa linked to PAHs degradation and HMs resistance. The IBC enhanced the dioxygenase metabolic pathways for PAHs degradation, including phthalic acid and salicylic acid pathways, which became the main driving factor affecting PAHs removal efficiency based on the structural equation modeling analysis. This study confirmed the potential application of the constructed IBC in the bioremediation of soil co-contaminated with PAHs-HMs, and provides insights into key removal mechanism and main driving factor of the enhanced elimination of PAHs.

A microbial-driven persulfate activating-cycling system for in-depth oxytetracycline degradation and bacterial antibiotic resistance control

A microbial-driven persulfate activating-cycling system for in-depth oxytetracycline degradation and bacterial antibiotic resistance control

An ultrathin conformal layer of dry-coated Li+-conductive glass–ceramic for single-crystalline nickel-rich cathode towards all-solid-state lithium batteries

All-solid-state lithium batteries pairing nickel-rich oxide cathodes with nonflammable solid electrolytes deliver greatly combined safety and high-energy–density merits. However, the oxide cathodes possess high oxidability and easily oxidize solid electrolytes, such as sulfides and polymers, leading to great interfacial resistance and rapid performance degradation. Herein, by employing single-crystalline LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 (SCNCM) as typical oxide cathode, we propose a Li+-conductive glass–ceramic phosphate (GCP) as an ultrathin conformal layer using a cost-effective dry processing strategy. The GCP conformal layer possesses triple appealing advantages: (i) GCP melts at a relatively low temperature (∼790 °C) and spreads out to improve the coating coverage, effectively blocking the interfacial oxidation of solid electrolyte by high-oxidative cathode. (ii) The melted GCP adheres tightly to the cathode surface, alleviating the delamination of coating layer on the cathode during long-term cycling. (iii) GCP possesses excellent Li+ conductivity of 0.29 mS cm−1, facilitating the charge transfer and Li+ diffusion processes. These functions contribute to diminishing interfacial resistance increases across cycling, improving longterm cycling stability of SCNCM cathodes. Consequently, the SCNCM@GCP shows excellent interfacial stability with sulfide solid electrolyte, possessing an outstanding capacity retention of 86.1 % after 100 cycles with a high initial specific discharge capacity of 161.9mAh/g at 0.2C (72.4 % and 130.2mAh/g for SCNCM).

Microplastics mediates the spread of antimicrobial resistance plasmids via modulating conjugal gene expression.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and environmental degradation are existential global public health threats. Linking microplastics (MPs) and AMR is particularly concerning as MPs pollution would have significant ramifications on controlling of AMR; however, the effects of MPs on the spread and genetic mechanisms of AMR bacteria remain unclear. Herein, we performed Simonsen end-point conjugation to investigate the impact of four commonly used MPs on transfer of clinically relevant plasmids. The transfer breadth of a representative pA/C_MCR-8 plasmid across bacterial communities was confirmed by the cell sorting and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Our study shows that exposure to four commonly found MPs promotes the conjugation rates of four clinically relevant AMR plasmids by up to 200-fold, when compared to the non-exposed group and that the transfer rates are MP concentrations demonstrate a positive correlation with higher transfer rates. Furthermore, we show that MPs induce the expression of plasmid-borne conjugal genes and SOS-linked genes such as recA, lexA, dinB and dinD. High-throughput sequencing of the broad transmission of plasmid pA/C_MCR-8, shows distribution over two main phyla, Pseudomonadota (50.0%-95.0%) and Bacillota (0.4%-2.0%). These findings definitively link two global health emergencies - AMR and environmental degradation via MPs, and to tackle global AMR, we must also now consider plastic utilisation and waste management.

Experimental study on the strength characteristics and seawater degradation resistance of sandy silt solidified with alkali-activated slag

Experimental study on the strength characteristics and seawater degradation resistance of sandy silt solidified with alkali-activated slag

Gingival Soft Tissue Integrative Zirconia Abutments with High Fracture Toughness and Low-Temperature Degradation Resistance.

Low fracture toughness, low-temperature degradation (LTD) susceptibility, and inadequate soft tissue integration greatly limit the application of zirconia ceramic abutment. Integrating the "surface" of hard all-ceramic materials into the gingival soft tissue and simultaneously promoting the "inner" LTD resistance and fracture toughness is challenging. Composite ceramics are effective in improving the comprehensive properties of materials. In this study, we aim to develop a zirconia composite abutment with high "inner" structure stability and "surface" bioactivities simultaneously and to explore the mechanism of performance improvement. Therefore, elongated SrAl12O19 and equiaxed Al2O3 were introduced into the zirconia matrix by using the Pechini method. Reinforcements of different shapes can promote the density, reduce the grain size, and increase the phase stability of composite ceramics, which improves the fracture toughness and LTD susceptibility. In addition, the released strontium ions (Sr2+), without sacrificing the mechanical properties of the material, could activate the biological capacity of the zirconia surface by activating the M2 polarization of macrophages through the Sr2+/calcium-sensing receptor/SH3 domain-binding protein 5 axis, thereby promoting the collagen matrix synthesis of fibroblasts and the angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells. This successful case proposes a novel strategy for the development of advanced high-strength and bioactive all-ceramic materials by introducing reinforcements containing biofunctional elements into the ceramic matrix. The approach paves the way for the widespread application of such all-ceramic materials in soft-tissue-related areas.

Resistant degradation of petrogenic organic carbon in the weathering of calcareous rocks

Resistant degradation of petrogenic organic carbon in the weathering of calcareous rocks

Performance of the AlGaN/GaN HEMT with Sunken Source Connected Field Plate under High Voltage Reverse Bias Step Stress

The manuscript investigates the DC performance of conventional HEMT and Sunken Source Connected Field Plate (SSC-FP) HEMT reliability under reverse bias step stress. To assess the electrical performance of the device at the gate terminal is subjected to a high reverse bias step stress up to – 40 V with an increase of – 5 V step. A higher degree of ON–state resistance (RON) degradation is observed in the conventional HEMT than in the SSC-FP HEMT device. Post-stress drain to source current (Ids) degradation is ~11% and ~6% in non-FP and with SSC-FP devices respectively. In conventional devices when gate voltage (VGS) is up to -20V, the device leakage current is recoverable but after that, the gate current increases exponentially and becomes noisy. In SSC-FP devices, this behavior is shown after gate voltage -30V.

Characterization and Genetic analysis of Actinomycetes from Mangrove and Coastal Environments: Enzyme Production, Dye Degradation and Antibiotic Resistance

ABSTRACT: Actinomycetes from mangrove and coastal environments were studied for their potential in biotechnology and environmental management. This research aimed to isolate and characterize these microbes, focusing on enzyme production, dye degradation, and antibiotic resistance. Samples were collected from various mangrove and coastal sites. Actinomycetes were isolated using selective media and identified through morphological and biochemical tests. Genetic characterization was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Enzyme production was evaluated through specific proteases, lipases, and cellulase assays. Dye degradation studies involved incubating actinomycetes with synthetic dyes and measuring degradation efficiency using spectrophotometric methods. Antibiotic resistance was assessed using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test. The study focused on isolating a variety of Actinomycetes from mangrove and coastal environments, assessing their potential for enzyme production and dye degradation.

Mechanisms of intergranular corrosion and self-healing in high temperature aged lean duplex stainless steel 2404

This study investigated the intergranular corrosion mechanism of lean duplex stainless steel 2404 after long-term aging at 700 and 800 °C using electrochemical methods, thermodynamic calculations, and kinetic models. At 700 °C, σ phase growth significantly increases the degree of sensitization (DOS) and decreases the breakdown potential (Eb). At 800 °C, a self-healing process at the ferrite/σ interface helps recover Cr and Mo depleted regions, reducing DOS after 72 h of aging and stabilizing Eb after 24 h at higher electrode potentials. However, the corrosion process is intensified at the σ/austenite interface, compromising intergranular corrosion resistance during prolonged aging. The findings show that complete recovery of corrosion resistance via self-healing is not achieved when high fractions of σ phase are formed. In addition, DICTRA calculations effectively evaluate corrosion resistance degradation from σ phase growth, providing deeper insights into the intergranular corrosion mechanism.

Study on the mechanical and low‐temperature degradation properties of 3Y‐TZP doped with nano‐MgO by microwave sintering

AbstractThe effects of nano‐MgO content on the microstructure, phase composition, mechanical properties of 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal ceramics were studied by microwave sintering at 1300°C–1500°C for 15–120 min. The low‐temperature degradation resistance of the samples was evaluated by hydrothermal experiments. Samples direct microwave sintered at 1500°C for 1 h attained a relative density between 95.5% and 98.2%, with an average grain size of 0.32–0.48 µm, the phase composition was identified as tetragonal ZrO2, with a bending strength of up to 822.07 MPa and a microhardness of 1784.22 HV, with the average friction coefficient ranging from 0.132 to 0.432. Hybrid microwave sintering at 1500°C with 0.8 wt% MgO attained a relative density (94.1–95.4%) and grain size (0.25–0.29 µm) with holding time increases from 15 to 45 min. After hydrothermal treatment at 134°C/0.2 MPa for 60 h, the monoclinic phase content of the samples by direct microwave sintering held at 1500°C for 1 h decreased from 41.43 vol% to 17.85 vol% with the increase in the content of nano‐MgO, indicating that microwave sintering combined with nano‐MgO significantly inhibits the low‐temperature degradation of zirconia composite ceramics.

A Self-Healing Transparent Waterborne Polyurethane Film with High Strength and Toughness Based on Cation-π Interactions.

Giving waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings self-healing properties not only maintains the coating's environmentally friendly characteristics but also extends the material's service life and enables sustainable development. Therefore, self-healing WPUs have received an increasing amount of attention from researchers. However, it is a serious challenge to overcome the original shortcomings of WPU coatings, such as poor strength, low hardness, and weak adhesion, as well as the introduction of self-healing properties resulting in further degradation of strength-mechanical properties and heat resistance. Here, we provide a design strategy to introduce a noncovalent physical cross-linking network based on cation-π interactions into the WPU molecular structure to prepare a series of self-healing transparent WPU coatings with high strength. The coating exhibited a very high tensile strength (66.11 ± 3.28 MPa) and excellent flexibility (0.5 mm), with a scratch repair efficiency of up to 98.2% for 12 h of repair at 60 °C. In addition, the coating also has good optical properties and has broad application prospects in the fields of transparent protective coatings and adhesives.

Fungal Strain Influences Thermal Conductivity, Hydrophobicity, Color Homogeneity, and Mold Contamination of Mycelial Composites.

Mycomaterials are biomaterials made by inoculating a lignocellulosic substrate with a fungus, where the mycelium acts as a binder and enhances material properties. These materials are well suited as sustainable alternatives to conventional insulation materials thanks to their good insulation properties, low density, degradability, and fire resistance. However, they suffer from mold contamination in moist environments and poor perception ("organic" appearance). Furthermore, most mycomaterials to date have been derived from a limited range of fungal species, leaving the vast phenotypic diversity of fungi largely untapped. We hypothesized that by exploring a broader range of strains, we could enhance the likelihood of discovering a material that meets the needs for insulation panels. We generated mycomaterials from nine fungal strains and measured their thermal conductivity, mold resistance, and perception properties. We observed significant variations across strains on these three parameters. Thermal conductivity ranged from levels comparable to extruded polystyrene to nearly as effective as polyurethane (0.039 to 0.019 W/mK). All materials generated were hydrophobic (equivalent to 105-122° contact angle), but differed by a factor of two in color appearance and sensitivity to mold (0-94% of surface colonized). We also found a method to improve resistance to mold using deactivated contaminant propagules.